Spain - Anchorage’s and tender marina access

[Saintgeorge]

Planning a slow passage up the south coast of Spain from Gibraltar to the Balearics in 15m sailboat, and preferring to anchor where possible rather than use marinas. I would like however to explore some of the towns we pass along the way, and not sure how practical it will be to leave a small 3m RIB whilst we head out for shopping / dinner like is often the best way in the Greek Isles. Anyone have experience in this part of the Med? I’m wondering if the most practical option would be to take a paid mooring in the marina for the tender, but do most offer this or it would it be overkill to take a berth just for a few hours ? Grateful for any ideas and experiences. Thanks

[Franziska]

Originally Posted by Saintgeorge

Planning a slow passage up the south coast of Spain from Gibraltar to the Balearics in 15m sailboat, and preferring to anchor where possible rather than use marinas. I would like however to explore some of the towns we pass along the way, and not sure how practical it will be to leave a small 3m RIB whilst we head out for shopping / dinner like is often the best way in the Greek Isles. Anyone have experience in this part of the Med? I’m wondering if the most practical option would be to take a paid mooring in the marina for the tender, but do most offer this or it would it be overkill to take a berth just for a few hours ? Grateful for any ideas and experiences. Thanks

Hi, we sailed the same route this summer. We always found a beach for the Dinghy or anchored it 5m from the beach.
Generally the Navily and Noforeignland apps are very helpful in the Med.

As we do only anchor and not go into marinas, we skipped stopping between Gibraltar and Hermadura.
From Hermadura onwards it was great.

Anchorages which where great:

Punta la Mona in front of the beach (very small and maybe to shallow for a mono).
Great walk up to the lighthouse.

Almunecar
We took a bus to Granada

Roquetas del mar
Not really pretty but helpful

Cabo de Gata / Cala de media Luna
Very pretty prairie style landscape. We did a wonderful hike there.

Agua Amarga
Very pretty small resort town without ugly hotel ruins
Great snorkeling

Aguilas / Islotes de Frailes
We'll protected with an interesting island

Cartagena / Algameca Chica
A combination of 50ies fishing village, artists place and a touch Favela.
Very friendly people though and no crime.
Place for 1boat of your size. Great hiking and good base for Cartagena

Almeria
Big City, nice free ocean race museum, boulevard unfortunately under construction.
We anchored south West of the town behind a marina.

Calpe
Fabulous. Little Rio. Crystal clear water. Fantastic hike (some parts are almost climbing) up the Penon de Ifach.

That's about it. Enjoy.
If you want to read more write me a PM.

[Joh.Ghurt]

Check this post for a few more ideas:
https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...ml#post3828206

[vindyman]

Originally Posted by Saintgeorge

Planning a slow passage up the south coast of Spain from Gibraltar to the Balearics in 15m sailboat, and preferring to anchor where possible rather than use marinas. I would like however to explore some of the towns we pass along the way, and not sure how practical it will be to leave a small 3m RIB whilst we head out for shopping / dinner like is often the best way in the Greek Isles. Anyone have experience in this part of the Med? I’m wondering if the most practical option would be to take a paid mooring in the marina for the tender, but do most offer this or it would it be overkill to take a berth just for a few hours ? Grateful for any ideas and experiences. Thanks

Try the noforeignland app.

It has a map with tons of useful information (including dinghy docks) for cruising sailors. All the information is crowd sourced and added by sailors. We've found it very useful.

[Saintgeorge]

Thanks for the replies! Also having a look at noforeignland app, great suggestion

[Franz.Capitan]

As for the Mediterranean, it's worth checking out the app "Navily". Has a lot of information. It's just an app by Europeans for European waters.

[Franziska]

Originally Posted by Franz.Capitan

As for the Mediterranean, it's worth checking out the app "Navily". Has a lot of information. It's just an app by Europeans for European waters.

Objection your honor [emoji846]
Here is a screenshot I just took in Navily in Florida.
I do agree though it's very helpful in the Med too.